Original broadcast date: October 7, 2022. We encounter friction every day — in all its forms — as we brush our teeth, go for a jog, argue with a friend. This hour, TED speakers explore how this force can be dialed up or down to improve our lives. Guests include tribologist Jennifer Vail, democracy activist and whistleblower Yaël Eisenstat, Sierra Leone's Minister of Education David Moinina Sengeh and TV producer Elan Gale.TED Radio Hour+ subscribers now get access to bonus episodes, with more ideas from TED speakers and a behind the scenes look with our producers. A Plus subscription also lets you listen to regular episodes (like this one!) sponsor-free. Sign-up at: plus.npr.org/tedLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Join tribologist Jennifer Vail, democracy activist Yaël Eisenstat, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Education David Moinina Sengeh, and TV producer Elan Gale as they delve into the surprising role of friction in our lives. Vail discusses how optimizing friction can elevate daily performance, while Eisenstat shares her journey from critic to leader in election integrity at Facebook. Sengeh highlights the need for comfort in prosthetics, paralleling it with relationship dynamics. They collectively explore friction's potential to enhance communication and challenge societal divisions.

We encounter friction every day—in all its forms—as we brush our teeth, go for a jog, argue with a friend. This hour, TED speakers explore how this force can be dialed up or down to improve our lives. Guests include tribologist Jennifer Vail, democracy activist Yaël Eisenstat, Sierra Leone's Minister of Education David Moinina Sengeh, and TV producer Elan Gale.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy